FROM PAKSE WITH LOVE : AN EXPLORATION OF SOCIOCULTURAL TRANSFORMATIONS IN PAKSE OVER 14 YEARS THROUGH LAO CINEMA
Keywords:
Lao Cinema, Pakse, Intercultural Communication, Gender Diversity, SocialTransformationAbstract
This article examines the sociocultural transformations in Pakse over the past 14 years (2010–2024) through an analysis of the film From Pakse with Love (2010). The film reflects Pakse's transition from a traditional community to a burgeoning economic and tourism hub, shaped by the forces of globalization. It highlights not only the city's adaptation to global influences but also the dynamics of cross-cultural communication between Laos and Thailand, revealing both the challenges and opportunities arising from divergent cultural values. The study finds that this film represents the growth of the Lao film industry as a platform for social
critique and discourse. It also explores the film’s subtle engagement with LGBTQ issues, a topic that remains sensitive in Lao society. The film underscores the potential of cinema to foster dialogue on complex social issues, particularly concerning LGBTQ rights. Despite the passage of time, the film continues to demonstrate the power of art in challenging societal norms and fostering understanding of nuanced and sensitive cultural topics.
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